Starting the season with a Splash
Aurora’s swim team may be small, but they are mighty and have a promising season ahead of them. While the team has less swimmers than in previous years, it shows strong potential.
Coach Amanda Marlow, returning for her second season, said, “I am looking forward to the season because I know what the team is capable of, and there are such hard workers I think we are going to be doing great things.”
The team is competing in a new conference this year, having meets against Copley, Barberton, and Kent to name a few.
“I’m not too familiar with the teams in the conference, but I'd imagine that Kent would be a tough one for us.” Marlow said.
Returning seniors include Alyssa Mahle, Brock Nelson, and Henry Young. Lauren Sapochetti is a returning sophomore who broke the school record for the 200 IM in the previous season. Along with other returning sophomores and juniors, the team is gaining several new freshmen swimmers as well.
Sophomore Lauren Sapochetti said, “I think the biggest challenge will be bettering my times because there’s so few people on the team, and less people means less motivation. But also that means we will all bond and be a closer team this year.”
The team currently has nine girls and nine boys. However, being so small will not prevent the team from making the most of this season.
“I’m really excited for team bonding,” said Gunnar Meyer, sophomore. “Going out to eat and hanging out is always fun. The biggest challenge will probably just be adjusting to the big time commitment.”
The team travels to either Hiram College or Western Reserve Academy for practice Monday through Friday and lifts in the school weight room on Saturday mornings.
Junior Marissa Henderson said, “I’m probably most excited for our meets this year! I think we have a really good chance at a girl’s relay team making it districts! I think the biggest challenge for me is the time commitment. Most people don’t understand we spend four to five hours a day, six days a weeks practicing and it gets to be a lot at times. We all need to encourage everyone else and all bring a positive attitude to the team, but overall I’m really excited for the season!”
Though the sport poses a large time commitment, those who participate find it worthwhile.
Sophomore Tyler Liston said, “Swimming is a mental sport. It’s not always about winning the race, but improving your time and learning from your mistakes as well. The win comes second to personal improvement.”
Being a part of Aurora’s swim team is no doubt a large time commitment and is a physical, as well as mentally, demanding sport. However, the bonds the team makes throughout the season combined with personal and team improvements, make the sport a great thing to be a part of.
The team’s first meet is December 2 at 6:30 at Hiram College.
